In this episode of Ethics: Walk the Talk, host Blake Peterson steps up to the plate with executive coach and longtime leader Mark Mathia for a conversation about what it really means to lead with purpose. Mark reflects on his journey to becoming one of Omaha’s go-to executive coaches and helping leaders discover the playbook already inside them. The conversation dives into the ethical foundations of coaching, the difference between coaching, mentoring, and consulting, and how leaders can ali...
In our current modern times, Corporate social responsibility goes beyond buzzword, into an expectation. In this episode of Ethics Walk the Talk, host Blake Peterson welcomes Teresa Mardensen, Executive Director of Share Omaha, for a powerful conversation on what it really means for companies to “do good” in today’s world. Together, they explore the evolving role of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Teresa shares her journey from a career in marketing and communications to leading communi...
Join Blake on this episode of 'Walk the Talk' as he sits down with Zak Olsen, President of Ronco Construction, a multi-generational family business with deep roots in Omaha. Zak shares how his journey began, from working alongside his parents, Ron and Linda Olsen, who founded the company in 1976, to leading Ronco through challenging economic times and his father’s passing. His take on modernizing construction in the midwest with Ronco's 'people-first' culture and commitment to a community and...
In this episode of 'Walk the Talk,' Blake interviews Leslie Little, the founder and CEO of Ethical Decision Making Limited (EDM). Leslie, an Omaha native now based in London, and Ethicspace morning keynote speaker, shares her fascinating career journey, from her early days in finance to her current work in ethical leadership. Leslie introduces her company's groundbreaking product, which aims to measure and develop 'ethical fluency' in leaders. Based on ten years of research from James Madison...
In this episode of Walk the Talk, host Blake Peterson sits down with a true Omaha icon — Willy Theisen, founder of Godfather’s Pizza and lifelong entrepreneur. Willy shares stories from launching one of the fastest-growing pizza chains in the country to building a legacy rooted in vision, determination, and saying “yes” to opportunity. But his influence didn’t stop at pizza. From serving on boards like Creighton University, the Omaha Airport Authority, and the Business Ethics Alliance, to men...
In this episode of "Ethics: Walk the Talk" with our host Blake Peterson, Dar Andrews visits the Webberized Studio. As a seasoned Senior Technology Leader with extensive experience in IT operations, Dar shares his insights on how organizations can achieve operational excellence through effective communication and ethical team building at all levels of a business. We also discuss his new book, "Total Experience," which presents an innovative approach to aligning the voices of customers, employ...
This episode was recorded on December 7, 2024. We'd like to dedicate this episode to honor the memory of Howard Hawks, co-founder and chairman emeritus of Tenaska, who passed away in December 2024. A visionary leader and philanthropist, Mr. Hawks recognized both business opportunities and community needs. His generosity and leadership shaped Omaha’s growth, enriched countless lives, and left a lasting legacy, like the upcoming Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement. Our hearts go out to h...
In this episode of Walk the Talk with Blake Peterson, we dive into how Chad Mares, Founder and CEO of The Work Lab, is transforming the way companies support their employees. As a nonprofit, The Work Lab offers innovative services like WorkLife Coaching and Resource Navigation that go beyond traditional internal HR functions, providing personalized guidance for employees facing life’s challenges. Even in organizations with robust HR teams, employees may hesitate to discuss personal matters wi...
Armando Salgado is an old school entrepreneur, that is to say, when the question “Why is nobody out here doing this?” would come up, his immediate instinct was to say “Well, looks like it’s gonna be me!” Now, with over 15 years of experience in real estate, marketing and advertising, and a growing expertise in fundraising for nonprofits, publishing, creating a shipping and distribution enterprise, construction contracts and more, add to Armando’s ever growing list to answer the question, “So,...
Do you feel worried that the super smart and capable robots are coming to take over your workplace? In this episode of the Walk The Talk Pod with Blake Peterson, we explore the relationship between Generative AI and the future of jobs with Laurel Oetken, executive director of the newly created Tech Nebraska, an organization focused on building connections in our tech community, while advocating for pro-growth, and pro-business tech policies with an eye on growing Nebraska’s innovation future....
Welcome to the premiere episode of Season 4 of Walk the Talk, The exclusive business Podcast about ethics presented by the Business Ethics Alliance, hosted by the amazing Blake Peterson! John Fulwider, PhD joins us on our inaugural episode of 2024 to reveal to us the world of Executive Coaching and how to build the proper leadership team to get you to your next, next , NEXT big goal. Entrepreneurs often find they wind up wearing too many hats. John helps business owners get their freed...
Do you know how to navigate the line between a non-profit organization and finding ways to create revenue? In this episode of "Walk the Talk," Blake sits down with the remarkable Steve Warren, a true pioneer in addressing the needs of kids here in Omaha. Both a Husker and an NFL Player, Steve has spent his life pushing the boundaries of what he was capable of, both physically and now as a business leader with no “formal training.” Learn about the human spirit that has led to nearly 20 years ...
Makayla McMorris and Kristi Andersen are the beating heart at the core of Moxie 16, a boutique integrated communications marketing firm focused on public & media relations, crisis communications, social media, content development, and more. With decades of the Highest-Level Experience, from guiding UNO through the minefield of covid precautions and addressing disinformation, to key role in defining Omaha Metro’s Entertainment growth. Communications, event management, journalism and ...
What is the Future of Work? The Covid Pandemic forced lots of business to change how they worked with theri personnel, to adapt or potentially lose everything. Now that the initial shutdown quarantining is over, business are trying to go back to... well.... business as usual, but now the workforce is in a completely different place, with some preferring work-at-home, hybrid, or a Job Share program. The BEAPod welcomes Jina Hwang, Ph.D. this week to talk to Blake about the new solutions her ...
Daniel Padilla came to America almost 30 years ago looking to get into hospitality and his chance at the Dream. Instead, he worked in banking and finance in a position that was created overnight to address the fast-growing immigrant population in the city. In that time, he saw, and experienced, the exploitive and manipulative practices that targeted immigrants and financially vulnerable people. Wanting to provide better alternatives to combat unethical services, particularly the predatory ‘P...
Join us on this exciting episode as we sit down with Van Deeb, an accomplished real estate professional and founder of DEEB Realty in Omaha, Nebraska. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Van has established himself as one of the top brokers in the region, specializing in real estate investing, property management, and residential and commercial sales. We'll also explore Van's active involvement in the Omaha community, his charitable work, and his unwavering commitment to his cli...
Many know Girl Scouts are home to the best cookies in the world! But it’s also one of the best leadership schools in the world and a successful business. Sarah credits their success with ensuring that everyone's voice is heard. “It’s vital,” she says. So, what can you learn about raising up every voice? Listen Now. On the Next #BEApod with Blake Peterson. Send us a text
In this episode, Blake sits down with the current Director of Human Rights and Relations for the City of Omaha, Gerald Kuhn, to discuss the programs he manages with the goal of uplifting small businesses founded in low-income areas of the community. To learn more about Gerald and his position, follow this link: https://www.wowt.com/2023/01/06/mayor-appoints-new-human-rights-relations-director/ Send us a text
This month, Blake is joined by Brian Peckrill of the McGowan foundation to discuss how they are teaching Business Ethics to a select group MBA students each year and the changes they hope it will bring to the C-Suite. Send us a text
Tim Rexius sits down with Blake to discuss the current marketplace woes that Amazon has dealt to the small business community, and what that will look like in the future. Tim also discusses his method for attracting and retaining talent which has less to do with benefits and salary, and more to do with ownership and individual growth. Lastly, Tim discusses what a small business owner who is going through a recession for their first time can do to help ensure their business makes...